I ran this race for the first time in 2017, and had little idea what I was in for!

Registration and parking were well-organised and smooth, with the school hall acting as race HQ. A bag drop was well manned, and there was plenty of space outside to warm up. 

The two-lap race starts at the school and turns onto the main road downhill for the first couple of km. It's a fast, steady downhill, but the road is not totally closed to traffic - not too bad on the first lap when there are lots of runners together, but by the time this slowcoach had got to the second lap I felt fairly exposed in places! 

After the downhill section is a sharp left turn down to a small stream, which most runners go straight through, despite the December temperatures. There is a bypass to the right, but I decided to go with the spirit of the race, grit my teeth and run straight through the water. Not too bad the first lap, but I got a full shoe-full of water the second time! Luckily (!) there's a very steep incline to contend with straight after the ford to take your mind off your soggy socks! 

This is a Hill. It's not *too* bad on the first lap, and flattens out after a km or so. But the second time around it is a beast. I've never seen so many runners walking! Once at the top, it's a gentle run along a quiet road before heading back to the finish. 

Unfortunately, there is another incline to the finish line, not so much fun when you're almost done! But with great race support and marshals it's not so bad! There was a colourful medal to finish, and plenty of refreshments before the 10-15min walk back to race HQ and parking. A warming cup of tea and a bit of cake finished the morning off nicely!